A Garden Inspired by History

Today marks 801 years since Magna Carta. A magnificent garden was created last year to celebrate the 800th anniversary.

Patricia Thirion and Janet Honour from A Touch of France Garden Design used the historic peace treaty between unpopular King John of England and a group of rebel barons to create a quintessential medieval garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last year. Magna Carta, Latin for “the Great Charter” is a charter agreed at Runnymede in June 1215, first drafted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Magna Carta is considered one of the most significant political documents in English history, due to its influence on English law in subsequent centuries.

Law. Liberty. Legacy.

Three of the key principles of the Magna Carta are inscribed on a slice of historic yew tree trunk at the front of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Magna Carta garden. The slice of Yew was inscribed to relate to Magna Carta, with a link to the 2000 years old Ankerwicke yew growing near Runnymede meadow. It was placed in the front of the garden surrounded by wildflowers, supplied by Wildflower Turf.

The Magna Carta garden was relocated in June 2015 to the grounds of the Runnymede-On-Thames hotel, facing the meadow where it is open to the public.

If you’re lucky enough to have a ticket for the unique garden experience at the Runnymede-On-Thames hotel on 20th June, you’ll get the chance to see the Magna Carta garden for yourself. Janet and Patricia from A Touch of France will also be sharing their stories on RHS Chelsea Flower Show and ideas for getting the most out of your garden at home.